Bad Elf GPS
4+

Screenshots

Description

This utility app allows owners of any Bad Elf GPS accessory to check the health of the Bad Elf hardware, view the GPS data being received, transfer and view trip logs, and install firmware updates.

Visit www.bad-elf.com to learn more about the Bad Elf GPS, GPS Pro/Pro+, and the GNSS Surveyor accessories, which add a high performance GPS receiver to the iPod touch, iPhone, and iPad via the 30-pin dock connector, Lighting connector, or Bluetooth. The GPS data is usable by ALL location-based iOS applications in the App Store.

Note: Continued use of the GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life.

What’s New

Version History

3.3.4

May 5, 2017

This is a maintenance release with minor updates related to trip names, raw logging, and exporting KML.

3.3.3

Feb 15, 2017

What's New in 3.3.3

- We fixed a bug in the firmware update cancellation logic. This was causing some users to have trouble updating the firmware on their Bluetooth Bad Elf GPS units. - Occasionally some bogus data points from the hardware were sneaking into your trips and GNX/KML files. We have since tightened up our filters to omit obvious erroneous points. - Various small but embarrassing bug fixes and improvements.

Bad Elf GNSS Surveyor Users: - You can now create multiple Ntrip profiles and switch between them instead of typing in the credentials each time you switch networks. - If you forget to disconnect from your Ntrip network when turning off your Bad Elf GNSS Surveyor, the connection is automatically dropped after 60 seconds. This prevents unnecessary cellular data consumption. - We fixed a bug that prevented Ntrip location reporting from some latitude/longitude values. - You can now add a point-of-interest from the Deviation Plot screen.

3.3.2

Dec 20, 2016

What’s New in 3.3.2:

- You can now choose what data each gauge shows by pressing and holding on the numbers of each gauge.- The app now shows you when a BE-GPS-3300 is using DGPS.- We now provide some warm and fuzzy while you delete trips from your iOS device or Bad Elf.- You can now turn on a setting to show SNR values for satellites.

Bug Fixes:- Fixed an issue that prevented you from changing the RINEX version used by the app.- Fixed an issue the could cause the BE-GPS-3300 to not be functional on iOS devices with 30-pin dock connectors.

3.3.1

Nov 7, 2016

What's New in 3.3.1- We've added enhancements and fixes to the ntrip and raw logging features introduced in version 3.3.0. - We have ensured support of the app with iOS 10.- Satellite SNR values are shown on the Satellite graph (only compatible with BE-GPS-3300 accessories)

Major Fixes & Improvements- You are now alerted if mount point credentials are invalid.- We've improved support for DGPS users.- We fixed an issue that would cause Apple Watch users to see the app crash. (Sadly this makes the Apple Watch app only compatible with bluetooth models)- We've continued to fix and enhance the GPX and KML file generators. - We fixed an issue where RINEX settings could be saved across iCloud.

3.3.0

Sep 1, 2016

What's New in 3.3.0- We've taken the time to completely clean up the app's user interface! (The app told us it feels like a beautiful little flower now.)- We've added a brand new NTrip Client within the app for Bad Elf Surveyor users!- We've added raw logging capabilities for use with post processing with the Bad Elf Surveyor.- You can now export raw log data from the Bad Elf Surveyor as UBX and RINEX files!- We simplified the companion Apple Watch app and improved it talks to the iPhone.

Major Fixes & Improvements- We completely overhauled the GPX and KML engines to give you even more data from your trip logs! - CloudAhoy users will be happy to know that you can send your Bad Elf KML files directly to CloudAhoy!- We've improved language and timezone support around the app!- We fixed some pesky errors that might show up when charging your Bad Elf.- We fixed an issue that could cause the app to freeze when sharing large trips.- We called the exterminator and had them evict tons of little bugs that had been hanging around rent free in the app.

3.2.0

Apr 14, 2016

What's new in 3.2.0:- Control your Bad Elf GPS when it's connected to your iPhone from your Apple Watch! Install the Bad Elf GPS app for Apple Watch from the Watch app on your iPhone to get started!

New configuration settings to support the firmware updates listed below:- For GNSS Surveyor (BE-GPS-3300) users, the app now provides a screen for capturing raw satellite data that can be used for post-processing. The data is captured in UBX format and stored to the local iOS filesystem. This UBX data can be used directly by some 3rd party tools, or converted to the industry standard RINEX format by tools such as RTKLIB.- GPX and KML files now show track point timestamps down to the millisecond so you can see every detail!- We've continued to enhance the GPX & KML files generated by our app for maximum compatibility with 3rd party apps.

Major Bug Fixes:

-Resolved an issue that could cause the app to always show a notification badge on the icon.-Fixed some settings for changing map modes.

3.1.3

Jan 19, 2016

- Fixes support for devices running iOS 8.

3.1.2

Jan 12, 2016

What’s New in 3.1.2:

- 3D Touch menus have arrived! If you have a new iPhone 6S and 6S Plus, Just press a bit harder on the home screen icon to control your Bad Elf!- Graphs of trip data now show up a bit clearer, we added some neat colored gradients to help you see them better!- Tapping on a purple trip POI now shows more details about that point of interest.- We fixed several issues with GPX & KML files!

Bug Fixes:

- Fixed an issue that could cause the app to crash on startup.- GPX files now include speed correctly for each data point.- Fixed an issue that caused GPX & KML files to not attach to emails.- Fixed an issue that caused the app to crash with iCloud.- More fixes around legacy trips.

3.1.1

3.1.0

Oct 2, 2015

WHAT'S NEW IN 3.1.0- Support for iOS 9.- The app now uses Apple Maps for standard and satellite maps. Mapbox maps are only used now for offline maps.- Trips can now be sorted by Name, Duration, Distance, When Recorded, When Downloaded and When Viewed.- App settings now sync between your iOS devices via iCloud.- Trips can now be exported as Zipped GPX & KML files.- Swipe to delete saved trips on your iOS device!

BUG FIXES- Fixed issues that caused the converting of GPX & KML files to be sluggish.- Fixed issues with the user-interface that could cause sluggish use to some users.- Fixed an issue where Speed was not reported correctly in GPX files.- Fixed an issue where KML files could show the wrong trip title.- Fixed an issue where Latitude/Longitude was not shown correctly for BE-GPS-3300 users.

3.0.2

Aug 10, 2015

WHAT'S NEW- Added Nautical Miles as a distance display option.- Added a link to the Bad Elf blog in App Settings. Read all the things!- Change Map Route Line color in App Settings. There was a deep discussion on whether it could be pink. It is not pink. There are some very upset team members.- Record POI’s from the app while recording a trip.- Delete trips directly from the trip detail view. You are required to scream out “HULK SMASH” whenever you delete a trip.- Un-viewed trips now are now highlighted in the Trips list. View them already!- App Setting to keep BE-GPS-1000 and BE-GPS-1008 models powered in background. (Handy for keeping a GPS lock between app switches, but will cause battery drain, so use with caution)- Firmware updates now can continue with the app in the background. No big deal. We just like to keep your life running easy.- Trip transfers now can continue with the app in the background. See? More of that simple life stuff.- Trip Deviation view now supports fine-grained latitude/longitude values from the Bad Elf GNSS Surveyor, and will display 7 decimal places when available.

BUG FIXES- Fixed an issue that caused Location Services to always run, even in the background, forever, until the end of time.- Enhancements to reports of the app behaving sluggish. No offense to slugs or anything. We’re definitely in the Pro-Slug camp.- Solved issue where some trips would not delete.- Solved issue where some trips would not download.- Fixed issue preventing speed data from being exported to GPX files- Fixed issues with sounds by removing them entirely. Bye “Hulk Smash” sound. That’s why you have to do it yourself now.

3.0

Jul 16, 2015

BRAND NEW APPSurprise! We’ve been busy elves in our engineering workshop and have a completely rebuilt app for you!

NEW DESIGNTo build a new app, we started from the beginning, so the first thing we did was create a fresh new design, color scheme, and layout that’s optimized for every device that runs iOS 8. (So. Many. Screen. Resolutions.)

NEW UI/UXYou’ll notice a brand new user interface that’s cleaner and easier to navigate. The user experience now has far fewer swipes, taps, boops, and swoops.

SIMPLIFIED TRIP MANAGEMENTWe know our users love recording their adventures with the trip datalogger, and the new app is designed to help you quickly transfer new logs from your Bad Elf GPS unit to your iOS device. After transfer, you can see your trips plotted on a map view or visualize them on speed/altitude/distance graphs.

DEVIATION PLOT VIEW FOR THE BAD ELF GNSS SURVEYORWe’ve created a new view specifically for our GNSS Surveyor that plots your position and horizontal accuracy over time. This is handy for visualizing the reported accuracy and position converge down to 1 meter or better, depending on sky visibility and your geographic location. The plot’s center point can be configured to be a known benchmark, a weighted average of historical points, or the last reported position.

LIVE GAUGES FOR BAD ELF GPS ACCESSORIESHigh accuracy gauges monitor your connected devices in real-time. Fun fact: they also monitor your internal GPS if you don’t have a Bad Elf connected - but you should, because that’s why we’re here.

DAY/NIGHT MODEApparently, some of you like to work (or fly) at night or in the dark, so we built in a fancy night mode so the iPad screen brightness (roughly equal to the power of the Sun^1000) doesn’t burn out your eyes.

SHARE TRIPS TO TWITTER/FACEBOOKHow many times have you been on an adventure only to have your excitement ruined by not being able to tell your Facebook/Twitter friends about it? Fear not! Now you can share a map of your trip directly to your Facebook or Twitter feeds without leaving the app.

IMPROVED OFFLINE MAPSWhat’s worse than having no Internet connection? Having a slow Internet connection. We feel your pain and have updated our cached offline maps with state and country level zoom levels so you can see your current position and trips regardless of Internet connectivity.

2.1.6

Mar 18, 2015

New

- We created a super fancy algorithm called, subtraction, to calculate the altitude differential which is now available in your trip view. Shoutout to our mathematician for writing this calculation on the glass window.- Oh, you’re fancy with your 64-bit device huh? Well, the app has been fined tuned JUST FOR YOU!- Is your iPhone the size of your face? Good, because our app now looks way cleaner on your iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.- Do you take as many awesome trips as we do? Check out the new trip UI!- Do you like to spin your iPad pretending you’re an NBA player? We can keep up with you and your rotation frenzy now.- Due to state regulation, our Full-Time Humor Engineer is still employed, despite our better efforts to "correct" the situation.

Fixed

- Daylight saving… daylight savings… whatever it’s called, if your app was bugging out because of wrong times from time zones, it should be ok now.- We get it, you have a huge screen. Now everything looks pretty on the trip page.- There was this weird firmware update button that wouldn’t show up if you locked up your Bad Elf, so we fixed it. It’s really not exciting, but it’s better now.

2.1.5

Jan 27, 2015

New

- Hired a Full-Time Humor Engineer for our release notes.- Added 64-bit support for all the fancy and speedy 64-bit iOS devices out there.- Dusted off our iOS 6 devices and improved support (they’re so heavy!)- Made life a little easier on our iPhone 6 and 6 Plus users with some fancy UI Improvements.- If you’re ever offline with your device (we know, it’s scary), there is now a super awesome world map cached in the GPS screen.

Fixed

- Remember those iOS 6 devices we dusted off? They weren’t exporting trips, so we fixed that.- Having issues with your product not displaying when you plugged in a lightning dongle? Nope, not after this update!- Ever spin your iPad around and have your rotation in GPS view become a bit of a nightmare? Yeah, we fixed that too.

2.1.1

Sep 8, 2014

This app update includes bug fixes and a handful of new features:

- Support for the new Bad Elf GPS Pro+ (BE-GPS-2300) with GLONASS, barometric altimeter, and USB features.- Barometer calibration screen for GPS Pro+.- Updated Help & Support topics.- Updated Trips management and user interface.- All new look and feel of the app!- Many more bug fixes and enhancements

2.1.0

Jul 21, 2014

This app update includes bug fixes and a handful of new features:

- New look and feel for iOS 7 compatibility.- Export GPS Pro trip logs directly to CloudAhoy.- Improved detection and installation of new firmware updates.- Easier to see which Bad Elf accessories are connected.- Updated Help and Support sections.- Many bug fixes to improve app stability.

2.0.22

Dec 20, 2013

This app update includes a firmware update for the GPS Pro (BE-GPS-2200). These include some bug fixes and a handful of new features!

Noteworthy app updates:

- Decimal minutes (DD MM.MMMM) are now supported for latitude/longitude- Different units can be used for altitude and distance accuracy values- Removed prompt before downloading trip to show Map or Info screens

2.0.20

Nov 2, 2013

Have an Apple device with the new Lightning connector? This update adds support for the *NEW* Bad Elf GPS dongle for Lightning Connector (BE-GPS-1008). This is the latest addition to Bad Elf's family of high-performance external GPS accessories.

BE-GPS-1008 features include:

* Works with Apple devices featuring the Lightning connector: iPod touch (5th generation), iPad mini, iPad (4th generation), and iPhone 5.* High performance WAAS receiver supports both GPS and GLONASS satellite constellations for fast lock times in noisy environments or with limited sky visibility.* New sleek enclosure design.* Simple! No batteries to charge or configuration needed -- just plug in and go.* Works with all location-based apps in the iTunes App Store.* Pass-thru USB port for charging your iOS device during use.* Includes keychain lanyard and 1m USB cable .

Learn more at http://bad-elf.com/products/

This release also includes minor bug fixes to the app.

2.0.16

Feb 14, 2013

★ ★ Major app & firmware update for the Bad Elf GPS Pro accessory ★ ★

New app (2.0.16) and firmware (2.0.44) features include many new configuration options requested by our customers:

✔ GPS Pro can power up automatically when connected to external USB power✔ Battery saver turns accessory off when idle for configurable time✔ LCD backlight can be configured for "momentary on" or toggle mode✔ All major international timezones now supported (including :15/:30/:45 min TZs)✔ SBAS/WAAS/EGNOS corrections can be disabled✔ LCD displays cardinal heading (NE, SW, etc.) with numeric value in GPS Heading field✔ Configuration settings, firmware updates, and datalogged trips can be secured with a passcode lock✔ Pairing can be configured to be anonymous, allowing any iOS device to pair without the need to confirm the pairing by pressing a button on the Bad Elf GPS Pro.

2.0.14

Nov 20, 2012

★ ★ Major app & firmware update for the Bad Elf GPS Pro accessory ★ ★

New app features include:

✔ Trips can be opened directly in other iOS apps such as MotionX, GPS Kit, etc.✔ Trips can be exported/transferred via iTunes File Sharing in KML and/or GPX formats✔ 6-10X trip transfer speed improvement✔ Trip transfers can be cancelled while in progress✔ Trip transfers can be completed while app is in background

The bundled firmware update (v2.0.35) includes a number of new features:

Ratings and Reviews

11 Ratings

Good ideas, so-so execution

This app does a decent job of complementing the Bad Elf receiver, but it fails in a few key areas.

Pros:1) Easy to download tracks2) Easy to clear up space by deleting downloaded tracks (when downloaded or at a later time)3) Good view of the device's features, e.g. satellites in view

Cons:

1) The big one: the app often displays stale data that doesn't reflect the up-to-date state of the receiver. This would be just an annoyance, except that it also means that sometimes the controls don't work, i.e. turning on the track log looks like it works but actually leaves the recorder off. Apparently this is because the app doesn't really have an active connection to the receiver, but it acts like it does and pretends to turn on track logging. I've lost at least half a dozen recordings that were never started due to this bug.

The receiver panel needs to be fixed to only show real data, not cached or stale data.

2) Some of the app workflow doesn't make much sense. For example, why is the Satellites page at the main level instead of at the device level page? It apparently shows the satellite status for a single device.

Help me choose a nickname
,11/26/2017

Good ideas, so-so execution

This app does a decent job of complementing the Bad Elf receiver, but it fails in a few key areas.

Pros:1) Easy to download tracks2) Easy to clear up space by deleting downloaded tracks (when downloaded or at a later time)3) Good view of the device's features, e.g. satellites in view

Cons:

1) The big one: the app often displays stale data that doesn't reflect the up-to-date state of the receiver. This would be just an annoyance, except that it also means that sometimes the controls don't work, i.e. turning on the track log looks like it works but actually leaves the recorder off. Apparently this is because the app doesn't really have an active connection to the receiver, but it acts like it does and pretends to turn on track logging. I've lost at least half a dozen recordings that were never started due to this bug.

The receiver panel needs to be fixed to only show real data, not cached or stale data.

2) Some of the app workflow doesn't make much sense. For example, why is the Satellites page at the main level instead of at the device level page? It apparently shows the satellite status for a single device.

Wizard1947
,10/24/2018

Download Polygons

I find the app to be very difficult to download field data to the computer.

Wizard1947
,10/24/2018

Download Polygons

I find the app to be very difficult to download field data to the computer.

Chug The First
,12/07/2018

Old USB

Also still using archaic Mini-B usb. Come on Bad Elf you can do better.

Chug The First
,12/07/2018

Old USB

Also still using archaic Mini-B usb. Come on Bad Elf you can do better.